My boyfriend HATES birthday parties or anything that causes a fuss over him. He also hates the idea of buying people cards for every occasion. Well, I LOVE him, and for his 25th birthday, I sent out invitations to all of his friends inviting them to a CARD Party. They live all over the country and it would have been impossible for them to all be here to celebrate with us, so instead I asked them to all send as many birthday cards to him as they wanted.  The week of his birthday, the mailbox was filled to capacity with birthday cards for him! He got over 80 cards--some handmade or with personalized messages.  It was very special and he was very touched by this. Needless to say, he doesn't complain about much anymore. ;)